Châteaux, Rivers, and Wine a River Cruise in Aquitaine France September 18-26, 2020
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Châteaux, Rivers, and Wine A River Cruise in Aquitaine France September 18-26, 2020 Join your friends from New England Church and Viking River Cruises as we discover the ports, vineyards, farms and forests of Aquitaine, once Europe’s richest kingdom. See Bordeaux’s fountains and cellars. Hear about the importance of truffles in Périgord, then taste them in a home-cooked meal. Optional tours offer you an opportunity to create your own personal blend of Cognac at the Camus distillery or sa- vor France’s finest oysters fresh from the bay at Arcachon. Sip Saint-Émilion, Médoc and Sauternes in their own terroir on a 7-day cruise through Bordeaux—a region synonymous with fine wine and finer liv- ing. Friday, September 18 — Chicago We board the coach to O’Hare to fly to Bordeaux. Saturday, September 19—Bordeaux We are met at the airport and taken to our ship. The rest of the day is ours to relax or explore Bordeaux on our own. Second only to Paris in French historic monuments, Bordeaux’s thoughtfully preserved 18th-century urban areas make it a desirable film location, and its graceful port on the Garonne River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later this evening, we may want to join an escorted evening walk of Bordeaux. While its monuments are beautiful during the day, they are stunning at night. (D) Sunday, September 20 — Bordeaux We tour the city center this morning and see some of Bordeaux’s highlights, listed below. Later this afternoon, we sail upstream along the Garonne River to Cadillac, a small town with a towering castle that gave its name to the American car brand. (B, L, D) Included tour: Panoramic Bordeaux—world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour the capital of the namesake wine-growing region that, save Paris, boasts more protected buildings than any other French city. You will meet your guide for a short transfer to the city center. Here, marvel at the expanse of the Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe, with its array of majestic sculptures and fountains. Then, view the neoclassical Grand Theâtre de Bor- deaux; the 18th-century masterwork is distinguished by its 12 Corinthian col- umns and is home to the national opera. You will also admire the beautiful Place de la Bourse, where the world’s largest reflecting pool, the Miroir d’Eau or Water Mirror, spreads out like glass amid stately buildings. You will also see several spectacular churches along the way and visit the Musée d’Aquitaine. Here, you will enjoy a guided tour of the collections highlighting the region’s triangular trade route and Bordeaux’s position in it. Monday, September 21— Cadillac We begin our day with a walking tour of Cadillac and then head across the river for our excursion to Sauternes. Here pic- turesque landscapes of vineyards blanket the countryside hills; we’ll visit a château to learn how their prized wines are made. Enjoy a tasting before returning to your ship. (B, L, D) Included tour: Cadillac—quaint riverside town and lush vineyards of Sauternes Discover the charming town of Cadillac and sample some of France’s sweetest wines in the town that produces them. Begin your tour with a leisurely stroll around one of France’s most picturesque towns; this riverside gem’s sole pur- pose was to protect Bordeaux from vessels coming downriver. Join your guide as you explore its heart, passing through the Sea Gate, with its crenellated crown, and Clock Gate, named for the colorful timekeeper near its top. Continue past Saint Blaise collegiate church and conclude your walk at the castle, one of the first examples of French-style architecture. Next, you will drive across the Ga- ronne River to Sauternes, where vineyards blanket the countryside. Thomas Jef- ferson himself, America’s third president, counted Sauternes among his favorite wines during his visits. Visit a château to learn how these prized wines are made, where you may be invited to work in the vineyard if you would like. Complete your visit with a tasting. Tuesday, September 22 — Libourne We will disembark this morning for a leisurely stroll to Libourne’s picturesque city square, lined with buildings dating as far back as the 16th century; or take part in one of two optional excursions: an exploration of the Bergerac area in the Dordogne to learn more about truf- fles, a great French delicacy; or a wine tasting, at a nearby château, of some local vintages from the Saint-Émilion and Pomerol appellations. Later this afternoon, take a tour to Saint- Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you see the town’s superb medieval lanes and delightful views of the surrounding vineyards from the upper town. Spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the town’s streets and shops. (B, L, D) Included tour: Libourne—founded by England, claimed by France Get to know this fascinating town where the Dordogne and Isle Rivers meet. This idyllic French town was founded and developed by the English in 1270 and named for its founder, a nobleman tasked with colonizing and defending the countryside. As a result, Libourne has the layout of the fortified towns typical of the era. Some remnants of the city walls remain today. You will join your guide for a walk to the Place Abel Surchamp, the city square lined with buildings dating to the 16th century. You will see its Gothic church with its stone spire rising 232 feet. At the quay, admire the clock tower, a survivor from the original walls. Its floor, which projects out past the wall, allowed defenders to toss stones on enemies trying to scale the exterior. If the town’s schedule allows, you can browse its fresh food market, one of the region’s largest. Included tour: Saint-Emilion—hillside village and wine-making center Saint-Émilion is one of Aquitaine’s must-see wine-growing towns, an open air museum where it is easy to feel as though you have stepped back in time. Join your guide for a short drive to the hillside medieval village, perched on a lime- stone plateau overlooking vast parcels of vineyards. The town was founded by a modest Breton hermit in the 8th century and grew into a monastic center for many who followed. For centuries, life here has evolved around harvesting grapes and winemaking, and Saint-Émilion has the honor of being the first vineyard re- gion declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. During your tour, savor the old-world atmosphere, learn about the underground monuments that grew up around the hermitage and enjoy free time to stroll the narrow cobblestone streets and linger in some of the area’s many shops and cafés before returning to the ship. Optional Tour (additional cost): Underground heritage of a World-Famous Wine Region Stroll around Libourne’s market, visit the historic Saint-Émilion wine region and enjoy a tasting at a château. Your guide will walk you around the open air and covered market, and explain its importance to local heritage. Then, enjoy free time to wan- der the stalls and savor tasty morsels of delicious offerings, such as cheese and salami. Next, discover the underground herit- age of historic Saint-Émilion and several hundred years of history as you explore its great monuments. Pass the Monolithic Church, mysterious catacombs, Trinity Chapel and Hermitage. Lunch is awaiting at a local restaurant, where you will enjoy a delicious three-course offering. Continue your journey with a scenic drive to Château Siaurac. Walk through its maze of vineyards on a tour and learn about the various grape vari- eties grown, how the soil is nurtured and the efforts employed to maintain a vineyard. After, you will visit the wine cellar and enjoy a tasting before return- ing to your ship. Wednesday, September 23— Bourg & Blaye Enjoy a leisurely morning in Bourg as you take a stroll through the historic village. Or, you may choose to take an optional excursion to the charming medieval town of Cognac, birthplace of one of the world’s best-known types of brandy. Here, you take a tour of the Camus fam- ily business, one of the most tradition-steeped Cognac houses in the area, and try your hand at blending. During lunch, your ship sets sail for Blaye. This afternoon, take a guided tour of the extraordinary 17th-century citadel, dramatically set on a rock beside the river. The citadel of Blaye, its city walls and two other forts are collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B, L, D) Included tour: One of King Louis XIV’s Most Important Fortresses Explore the scenic citadel complex along the banks of the Gironde estuary, a grand fortress built on the orders of Louis XIV. Meet your guide and take a short drive from Bourg to Blaye; you will then head to the extraordinary 17th-century citadel, dramatically set on a rock beside the river. Within its walls, you can admire the ruins of an ancient Gothic château. Still today, the château contains the tomb of Charibert II, King of Aquitaine, and legend has it that the Frankish hero Roland, who served Charlemagne, is also buried there. During your tour, you will have time to take in its beautiful setting on the estuary. The citadel of Blaye and the nearby forts of Paté and Médoc are collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy free time in Blaye before returning to your ship. Optional tour: (additional cost) Witness The Blending of a Prized Brandy Walk through the historic town of Blaye and learn the history of Cognac during a Privileged Access visit to a distillery.